84
CHAPTER PIECING TECHNIQUES
Piece Half-Square Triangles
A half-square triangle (HST), also called a trian-
gle square, is a square bisected diagonally; one
half is usually light-colored and the other half
dark. There are many ways in which you can
piece HSTs. Method 1 creates two matching HSTs.
Method 2 uses triangle papers, which can be
purchased at quilting stores or online, to create
many HSTs.
Cut the half-square triangles apart and press.
Cut on the diagonal. You now have two half-square trian-
gles. Press toward the dark triangle.
2
1
Cut squares, mark diagonal and sewing lines, and sew.
Cut squares the finished size of the HSTs you need, plus 1
inch (2.5 cm). To create two 4-inch (10.2 cm) HSTs, cut two
5×5-inch (12.7×12.7 cm) squares. Place the two squares right
sides together and draw the diagonal and the sewing lines,
1
⁄
4
inch (.6 cm) from both sides of the diagonal, on the wrong
side of the light square. Sew directly on the sewing lines.
If you decide to make half-square
triangles using a dierent method
than prescribed in your quilt pattern,
adjust the fabric-cutting directions.
Method 1: Makes Two Matching
HSTs
Trim each half-square triangle to size.
Your half-square triangles will be slightly larger than needed.
Trim them to size by placing your ruler’s 45-degree mark on
the HST’s diagonal and trimming two sides. For HSTs that
finish at 4 inches (10.2 cm), trim to 4
1
⁄
2
inches (11.5 cm).
3
Diagonal line
Sewing lines
45-degree
line
85
PIECE HALFSQUARE TRIANGLES
Place fabrics together, with triangle paper on top.
Cut your rectangles according to the instructions with your
triangle papers, then layer them right sides together with the
light fabric on top. Place the triangle papers on top and pin
away from the sewing lines.
1
Sew on the dotted lines and cut the triangles apart.
Reduce your stitch length and tighten the upper tension.
Change to a larger needle (size 14) to help perforate the
paper. Sew on the dotted sewing lines, in the directions of
the arrows (if any). Cut the triangles apart by cutting on the
solid lines using a rotary cutter.
2
Method 2: Makes Multiple Matching HSTs
Press and remove the triangle paper.
Press the half-square triangles with the paper on, pressing
to the dark fabric. Remove the triangle paper by folding the
paper back over the seam and running your fingernail over
the seam to score it. Hold the triangle at the seam and tug
gently at the paper.
3
Sewing lines
Sew on
dashed
lines
Cut on
solid lines
Popular triangle papers include Thangles™ and Triangles on a Roll.
Trim dog ears.
When you trim, remove the “dog ears”—the small triangles
at one or both ends of the seam (depending on the triangle
papers you use).
4
Dog ears
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